What Happened in 2013: Another developmental step forward for the big Texan, as Syndergaard pitched his way to the Double-A level flashing a power arsenal with sharp control.

Strengths: Impressive size and strength; very athletic; creates steep plane to the plate; elite arm strength; fastball can work 95-100; excellent manipulation of the pitch; can create big arm-side run; can cut the ball; true 80 grade offering; curveball is plus at present; projects to be plus-plus; upper 70s/low 80s with sharp vertical action; impressive depth; power pitch; changeup projects to plus (or better); shows feel for the offering; can show deception and plus arm-side life; control is very sharp for power arm; command projects to be plus; frontline profile.

Weaknesses: Tendency to elevate and work up in the zone; curveball can break early; easier to track the tumble; changeup is often overthrown and too firm; thrown into bat speed.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: While it’s easier to profile as a fantasy ace than a true ace in a scouting sense, it’s still not something that gets thrown around too lightly. Syndergaard, with his strikeout-inducing stuff and WHIP-reducing control, has that upside—and he should be up as soon as he’s cleared all necessary financial hurdles, given the current state of the team.

The Year Ahead: Syndergaard is one of the top arms in the minors, with impressive size and strength, an impact arsenal including an elite fastball and wipeout curveball, and the overall command to elevate an already intense arsenal. It’s the prototypical profile of a power pitcher, and that’s without giving the changeup its proper hype, as several sources think the changeup will blossom in the coming years, settling in as a plus offering and taking Syndergaard to his frontline projection. The big Texan could use more seasoning in the upper minors, but will likely make his major-league debut at some point in 2014, and should help the Mets compile the best young rotation trio in baseball in 2015, along with Harvey and Wheeler.

Major league ETA: 2014

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